Better Test Taking

Take a deep breath before beginning in order to calm your mind. Racing forward in the first few minutes can lead to careless errors that are difficult to identify and correct.

Preview the test before you answer anything. This gets you thinking about the material. Chart your attack. Schedule your time based on the point values of each section.

Read the directions Never assume that you know what the directions say. I believe more points are lost and certainly more failing grades are earned by not reading the directions.

Underline the task. This will make you direct your energy toward answering the right questions.

Keep track of the time and progress during the test. If the test is timed, write down what time the test will conclude in the top corner of your test or scratch paper.

Answer the easy questions first. This will give you the confidence and momentum to get through the rest of the test. You are sure these answers are correct.

Go back to the difficult questions. There may be clues in the easier questions that jog your memory for the harder ones.

Answer all questions.

Avoid careless errors—Think before you start writing. Create a quick bullet point outline. Rambling wastes time and points.

Review the test carefully, especially the easy questions. Take your time and hammer the easy questions. Often they are worth just as much as the hard questions.

Use all of the time allotted for the test. If you finish early, put the test down for a minute. Take a deep breath and clear your head. Then go back and check any essay questions to make certain you answered the entire question. For other type questions review your work or make sure you only checked one box for each question on scanner type tests.

Show all your work (especially when partial credit is awarded) and write as legibly as possible.

This is not fatal - your grades on tests do not truly indicate your personal worth, your intelligence or your likelihood of success. That all comes from your character and if you are striving and challenging yourself to do well, regardless of the point total you are building a stronger character.